Trek releases updated Rail e-MTBs with new Bosch smart system

Trek Rail
(Image credit: Trek)

Trek has launched a new line of rail e-MTBs for 2022. The new bikes have a similar look and geometry numbers to the brand's Slash enduro bike, but they also pack new tech from Bosch. 

Bosch's new smart system features a new battery remote, and display. The system also pairs with a smartphone app for customization and over-the-air updates. 

The Performance CX drive units found on Trek's new bikes feature a 750Wh battery combined with 85Nm of torque. Trek says the battery can last for up to 87 miles, which is a 20-percent increase over the previous Rail. 

The eBike Flow app provides tons of metrics and data to riders, and it can be used to customize motor behavior, perform diagnostics, and be used for navigation. 

Aside from the tech upgrades, the Rail is still a long-travel 29er featuring 150mm of rear travel and 160mm in the front. Trek has refreshed the geometry to bring it in line with the Slash, so the Rail now features a 64.5-degree head tube angle as well as a longer reach.

Trek Rail

The Rail is like an electric version of the Trek Slash (Image credit: Trek)

Top-end models also come with air pressure setup tools for the tires and suspension. A riders' preferred pressure can be set using the SRAM AXS app, and the sensors let you know if the tires or suspension need to be pumped up by red or green lights.

However, if you want all the bells and whistles then you better be prepared to pay the premium price as the top-end Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS costs $13,499.99. That model comes with a RockShox ZEB ultimate fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3 shock along with a full SRAM XX1 AXS build, SRAM Code brakes, and a RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post.

On the budget end, the Rail 5 costs $5,599.99, however, it uses an alloy rather than a carbon frame and doesn't feature Bosch's smart system. It also has a less powerful motor and battery compared to the more expensive models.

Models with a carbon frame and Bosch's new system start at $8,999.99. There are two build kits at this price point, either a SRAM GX or Shimano XT package. Both builds feature RockShox suspension along with the respective SRAM or Shimano shifting and braking components.

The new Trek Rail e-MTB is available starting today.

Ryan Simonovich

Ryan Simonovich has been riding and racing for nearly a decade. He got his start as a cross-country mountain bike racer in California, where he cultivated his love for riding all types of bikes. Ryan eventually gravitated toward enduro and downhill racing but has also been found in the occasional road and cyclo-cross events. Today, he regularly rides the trails of Durango, Colorado, and is aiming to make a career out of chronicling the sport of cycling. 


Rides: Santa Cruz Hightower, Specialized Tarmac SL4